Sizing a van around what you are moving
List the largest items with rough length, width and height, and give an estimate of total weight, because bulk and payload limit a van in different ways. Mention anything awkward, such as a wardrobe that cannot be dismantled or long timber. Describe loading at both ends, including stairs, lift access, distance from the kerb and whether anyone will help lift.
Fitting the van to your route
Start with the load, then choose the van. A small van works well for boxes, tools and light collections; medium and long-wheelbase vans suit furniture, stock and trade equipment; and a Luton is the better choice for bulkier items on a house move. Subject to dates, driver details and availability, the range includes the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB. Make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are all confirmed at quote stage, so treat these vehicles as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Setting Aside Time for Packing
Write down your hire dates first, then work backwards to see when packing needs to happen. If the van arrives on Saturday morning, for instance, you might plan to pack boxes on Friday evening and finish the remaining rooms early on Saturday. Note how much you still have to do, which rooms are complete and which items are waiting on dismantling or wrapping. If friends are helping, record when each person is available so you can spread the tasks across the available hours. It also helps to list anything that must be packed last, such as overnight essentials or tools you will need on the day. When you send the hire dates and access arrangements with your enquiry, mention how you have scheduled the packing, and the team can take the timings into account when matching the job to a van.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
Should you plan a single journey or spread the work over two? That question is worth answering before you book. Start by listing everything you need to carry, then consider whether the whole load could travel together or whether some items, perhaps storage boxes or later-stage furniture, could wait for a second run. Note the destination's opening hours if you know them, since a storage facility or a client's premises may only accept deliveries at certain times. If you are deciding between one longer day and two shorter ones, record the hire dates you would need in each case. You might also note who is available to help on each date. Passing these options to the team, along with what you need to carry and the access arrangements, lets them compare the possibilities and suggest which van suits the plan you settle on.
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What to confirm on the phone
Before the hire is confirmed, go over the key points: whether the vehicle is available, the driver requirements, mileage, insurance, the delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for. Make sure payload, loading height, tail-lift needs, driver details, deposits and insurance excess are confirmed before you settle on a van size. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, a rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the passengers or load you expect and any special requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.